Indian political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla has stirred significant controversy online after targeting the financial arrangements between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the Asia Cup 2025. His remarks have sparked debate on the economic and political implications of cricket ties between the two nations.
In one of his posts, Poonawalla claimed that the PCB earned approximately ₹34 to ₹35 crore from the BCCI. "SM fam, BCCI earned PCB approx Rs 34 to Rs 35 crores (INR) ! * Pakistan Cricket analysts want the PCB cricket team to break Somnath Mandir! * PCB Pakistan Cricketers want Pak army to enslave our women. *PCB chief & Asian Cricket Council President wants Pak army to Nuke us," wrote Poonawalla.
Image: Tehseen Poonawalla/Instagram
Poonawalla’s statements have reignited ongoing debates about the overlap between cricket, politics, and national security concerns. Nonetheless, the controversy has once again highlighted the deep emotional and political weight carried by every India-Pakistan cricket encounter, both on and off the field.
'We Stand With The Families Of...': Suryakumar Yadav Dedicates India's Win Over Pakistan To Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims; Watch Full Statement
Following India’s emphatic 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made a heartfelt statement that went far beyond the game. In the post-match presentation, Yadav said, “We stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity and we want to dedicate today's win to the armed forces. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground to smile. ”
The match, already steeped in emotion due to recent political and social tensions, saw India chase down Pakistan’s modest target of 128 with ease, finishing at 131/3 in just 15.5 overs. Suryakumar, who led from the front and hit the winning runs, used the moment not to gloat but to send a message of solidarity and national unity.
The Indian captain’s statement follows a series of emotionally charged developments during the Asia Cup, including Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s controversial social media post, which many in India viewed as mocking the suffering caused by the Pahalgam attack. The post-match tension also reached a symbolic peak when Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, walking off the field after the win, a gesture many viewed as a silent protest.
